Hon Sophia Moermond questions the government on its strategy to control invasive grasses like buffel grass in bushfire management, and how success is measured. The answer outlines shared responsibility and prioritisation of weed management.

AnsweredQoN 1095Legislative Council
Asked
19 September 2023
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

BUSHFIRE MITIGATION
1095. Hon SOPHIA MOERMOND to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the article from the ABC
website today regarding the role of unmanaged invasive grasses, particularly
buffel grass, in fuelling bushfires.
(1) What is the
government doing to control the spread of invasive grasses, including buffel
grass, in the context of bushfire management planning?
(2) If mitigation measures are being
taken, how is the government measuring their success?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice
of the question.
On behalf of the Minister for
Environment, I provide the following answer.
(1)–(2) Buffel grass is a widespread introduced weed in Western
Australia's agricultural region, which supports the pastoral industry. Buffel grass is one variable
considered when assessing fuel loads in the context of bushfire management planning. Bushfire preparedness through fuel reduction is a shared
responsibility for government agencies,
local governments and private landowners. On lands managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,
weed management efforts are prioritised based on species-led and asset
protection–led management programs to maximise the use of available resources.

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